Make yourself less attractive—as a victim/Texas Realtor

May 2001

Make yourself less attractive–as a victim

Michael Emert was a successful Seattle-area REALTOR® with 10 years of experience. In January, he was murdered while at a listing in a prosperous suburb.

You may not want to think about it, but this tragedy is a reminder that personal safety remains a serious concern in the real estate profession. It doesn’t matter what your listing is, how much it costs, or which neighborhood it’s in; REALTORS® should always exercise caution. A recent, informal polling of Texas REALTORS® revealed that 37% had been in a situation where they felt their safety was jeopardized. Here are some safety tips

Dress for success–carefully. Look professional but avoid flashy clothes and expensive jewelry.
Always meet a prospect at your office.
Request an ID, such as a driver’s license, and make a copy of it, leaving the copy along with your itinerary with someone. If possible, introduce the prospect to someone at the office.
Take your car to a listing. Being in your environment is always safer.
When showing a property, always walk behind a prospect. Avoid any places in the house that might put you in a corner.
Carry your cellular phone at all times. Develop a coded distress signal with your office. If you sense trouble, call someone with a message that would appear harmless to a prospect.
When holding an open house, don’t park your car in the driveway. It could easily be blocked in. Also, avoid holding open houses alone.
Trust your instincts. If you don’t feel safe, you’re probably not.

To some, these precautions may seem like common sense, but how many REALTORS® practice them? Following these simple tips doesn’t guarantee your safety, but they will make you less attractive as a victim.

Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.tar.org.